The Camden Fringe Interviews
Just Like Hollywood takes aim at Roe v Wade
There’s always an incredible international feel to Camden Fringe, with performers from all over the world heading to this little part of North London every summer. And for 2024, that includes the collaboration between Blind Faith Theatre and Central Standard Theatre, who bring Just Like Hollywood to Etcetera Theatre from 29 July.
Just Like Hollywood is a rigorous, disturbing yet playful dance and duel. It examines the trap ensnaring so many women today, pointedly in a post Roe v Wade America. Trapped in an invisible but all-ecompassing prison she is legislated in and being molded to accept, if not embrace.
Always keen to hear about the world outside of Camden, we caught up with the show’s writer, John Clancy, director Melanie Stewart and performer/ collaborator Kylie Westerbeck to find out more.
Great to meet you all, so a round of introductions to get us started then.
John Clancy (writer): “Who is anyone really. I am a writer, collaborator, and now performer in this wonderful piece as it continues to evolve. And I’m a world class equestrian and amateur ventriloquist.
Kylie Westerbeck (performer): I am an actress & I am an actress in this show
Melanie Stewart (director): That’s terrible! Kylie Westerbeck is a collaborator and custom deluxe performer! And I am the total god of them.
What can audiences expect from the show?
JC: Quite a fun show. Quite a physical show. Never seen anything quite like this… we are dealing with serious stuff, but not trying to lecture. We are covering something happening in our country and taking it seriously, but expect to laugh. Expect to be surprised.
KW: Audience members should expect to reflect on their own power.
MS: And expect to be moved in surprising ways.
JC: They said it better.
Where can we find you for Camden Fringe?
KW: Just Like Hollywood is performing at The Electra. An intimate space like this allows for a certain kind of connection — a deeper conversation between audience and performer.
What was the initial inspiration behind the show?
JC: Well… I mean the honest answer is I was hired to do it. Kylie and Melanie had been working on this idea and the initial inspiration was Mel’s reaction to Dobb’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade, and she wanted to make a piece about this. I’ve been working with Melanie for a long time, this is the first time I’ve got to work with Kylie. Melanie’s background is choreography so it’s very visual, very physical. So, it’s not like “let’s talk about this terrible thing!” It’s not a “Sunday morning news” thing. It’s a show. So, I was kind of given the inspiration, invited into the room. I’ve been working on this for what? A year? Kylie and Mel have been working together on this for two years.
What was it that drew to this role, and what is it about your character that you most enjoy?
KW: Well, what drew me to this role was that it was made by me and Mel. (she laughs) So it’s a deep reflection of my American experience as a woman. And… What was the second question? (stage manager repeats the question) Oh yes, I think what I enjoy about her is the way this character holds onto hope in a hopeless world that is being painted for her. And that’s really beautiful.
What is your favourite element of the show?
MS: For me it’s always about who is in the room and I was first excited about the possibility of working with Kylie on something. We thought it would be a great idea to come into the room together and really make something, and we were talking about what we cared about. I pretty much knew it would be focused on Kylie, and developed a character who is growing up in America as a woman.
What is it you hope the audience think after watching the show?
MS: They will be left with this kind of… bitter after taste.
JC: Where is the nearest pub? No, I think they’ll think: Oh. We have the power. And maybe they’ll think about taking personal responsibility for what is going on in the world. (pause) and damn, that Clancy can write!
KW: I think they’ll think: What the fuck. Followed by a deep reflection of their role in society.
MS: They will be left with this kind of… bitter after taste and will be thinking about where we are in the world, and where we’ve been, and why are we still here.
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage?
MS: No. It’s not the first time Just Like Hollywood has been on stage. The original outing was in the 2023 Philly Fringe Festival.
How much has changed since it’s Philly outing then?
KW: What’s changed? We are about to find out in rehearsal!
Are there any plans for what comes next after August – for the show?
JC: This show is built to tour. We are looking at all opportunities to do so.
Being Camden Fringe, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this with your set and props?
JC: No set, baby.
KW: The creative use of props.
MS: We arrive with everything we need in a tiny little suitcase on wheels.
KW: Melanie Stewart was the original Mary Poppins.
Will you be frequenting the bar after your show
JC: Yes. Can I buy you a drink?
If you had to describe your show as a colour, what would it be?
KW: The most beautiful expensive colour red with French satin.
If you had to describe your show as a meal, what would it be and why?
KW: A singular olive with a pit.
Many thanks to John, Kylie and Melanie for taking the time to chat. You can catch Just Like Hollywood when it plays at Etcetera Theatre between 29 July and 4 August. Further information and tickets available here.
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